Financial Counselor - Patient Access - Full Time/Days - Req#2117971796

Job Objective:

Under the supervision of the Department Supervisor, or designee, performs financial counseling duties which include collecting patient payments and issuing receipts, and providing general customer service assistance with patient account inquiries. Ensures that all assigned patients obtain financial clearance for services. Works closely with other departments, such as Patient Care Coordination to ensure patient accounts are secured. Interviews patients to address all missing information and outstanding patient liabilities, Identifies patients who may be eligible for government program assistance and refers, as appropriate for completion of applications. Assists patients with AVH's Payment Assistance Program, provides applications, and, where necessary, assists in the completion of that application. Calculated patient liabilities, makes payment arrangements and collects monies from patients.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Counseling Interviews patients to obtain, clarify and verify all demographic and insurance information, not previously gathered, and determines status of financial clearance, as needed Identifies old, outstanding patient liabilities and calculates patient liability for proposed services in order to determine with patient how to resolve existing and projected liabilities and collects monies, as appropriate Provides referral to external agencies and/or third party vendors, which provide financial assistance for medical coverage, through various government programs Provides information and assists patients with the completion of the Payment Assistance application Analyzes patients' ability to meet financial obligations and sets up appropriate payment plans Identifies patients with special financial circumstances to assist in resolving current and future liabilities Acts as an information resource for AVH personnel, who are seeking answers to financial concerns for their patients Works closely with and provides assistance to other departments, including Patient Care Coordination, Social Service, and Physicians services, related to information on insurance coverage Secondary Duties as

Assigned:

A. Insurance Verification Identifies old, outstanding patient liabilities and calculates patient liability for proposed services in order to determine with patient how to resolve existing and projected liabilities and collects monies, as appropriate Ensures accuracy of registration information for correct billing and updates accounts as needed Communicates concurrent review requirements to PCC in a timely manner to prevent delays or reduction of claim patment

Non-Essential Duties:

Assist Operation of the insurance verifiers as need Assist with the operations of the Registration Compliance Auditor as needed Assist with other duties as assigned, within skill sets and abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge Knowledge of medical terminology Knowledge of HMO, PPO, Commercial, and Workers' Compensation reimbursement Knowledge of Managed Care contract language Knowledge of basic arithmetic Skills Basic personal computer skills to include Microsoft Office applications Knowledge of the use of a calculator Proficient in the operation of scanners, copiers, and fax machines Abilities Ability to handle stress Ability to manage a heavy caseload in an organized and efficient manner Ability to recognize potential accounts receivable related problems and offer solutions to management Ability to maintain a working relationship with other departments within the organization Ability to review all billing transactions for accuracy, discrepancies, and appropriate charges Ability to document account information at time of account follow-up Ability to run accounts receivable reports as needed

Core Competencies:

All AVH employees will effectively demonstrate these behaviors:

Accountability Action Oriented Customer Focused Compassion Effective Communication Teamwork Ethics & Values Integrity & Trust Education and Experience:

Education High School graduate or equivalent Experience 2 years recent experience in an Admitting Department in an acute care setting. Will consider 2 years recent acute care hospital Business Office experience 2 years previous Commercial, HMO, PPO, and Workers Compensation billing and/or insurance follow-up experience, preferred

AVH Conduct/Compliance Expectations:

Ability to adhere with AVH Leaves of Absence Policy Ability to adhere with AVH Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy Ability to adhere with AVH Recording of Hours Worked Policy Ability to adhere to the department dress code Ability to organize work and establish priorities Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards Conforms to AVH Standards of Excellence Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVH Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures Conforms with required and appropriate JCAHO requirements Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education Display a willingness to work as a team player Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVH Board of Directors Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Corporate Compliance rules and regulations, complies with duty to report behavior standard, demonstrates understanding of purpose for Corporate Compliance hotline and importance of seeking guidance from a supervisor when in doubt regarding a possible corporate compliance issue

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Primarily works in a climate-controlled area Sitting 80% of time on duty Tolerate repetitive arm and hand movements A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.